Following the introduction last year of a minimum 5 star ANCAP safety requirement for all Australian Government passenger fleet vehicles, big business is following suit demanding maximum safety for its employees and contractors through safer vehicles.

“We’re extremely pleased to hear that BHP Billiton has managed to implement a policy for maximum vehicle safety - not just in Australia, but worldwide across its fleet,” said ANCAP Chief Executive Officer, Mr Nicholas Clarke.

“They’ve also pushed that one step further applying the minimum 5 star requirement across both passenger and light commercial vehicles.”

This announcement will serve as added impetus for manufacturers to include higher levels of safety not only in passenger vehicles but in particular the light commercial market segment which is lagging behind in terms of safety implementation.

“This demonstrates the supporting influence big business can have on manufacturers and we encourage other businesses, large and small, to consider adopting a similar policy,” Mr Clarke said.

“With one third of compensable work related fatalities involving a vehicle, vehicle safety is paramount in protecting our employees, and investing in safer vehicles is an investment in the safety of these employees.”

This 5 star fleet purchasing decision will also benefit the broader community once the vehicles reach the end of their fleet life and are on-sold to general consumers.

ANCAP is supported by all Australian and New Zealand motoring clubs, the Australian Government, the New Zealand Government, all Australian state governments, the Victorian Transport Accident Commission, NRMA Insurance and the FIA Foundation.

For a full list of ANCAP safety ratings and model specifications, and vehicle safety information visit ancap.com.au.